Dear Noah,
So many memories come to mind when I think of your birthday.
I remember calling your dad at work and saying, “Come home immediately after
work. I think I am having contractions.” Mind you, my phone call to your dad
was 16 days too early.
Dean came home after work and found me wandering around the
house, gathering items to throw in my hospital bag. I felt as if I was a dog
chasing my tail. Every time I stopped to gather an item, I had a contraction.
Needless to say, the pain erased my short term memory and I forgot what Item I
was going to throw in my hospital bag. Plus, I was roaming the house wearing
running shoes that were not tied. I was unable to reach around my belly to tie
my shoes. I clearly remember sitting at the top of the stairs and watching Dean
tie my shoes. All the while, he was saying, “I will get your bag. I will get
your coat. Please go get in the car.”
Fast forward to the hospital, Dean and I entered the
hospital through the Emergency Room because every other entrance was under construction.
“Do you want a wheelchair? The doctor said you should get a
wheelchair when you arrive at the hospital.” Asked Dean.
With confidence I responded, “No, I can walk.” My ‘I can do
everything myself’ attitude came into question when I realized we had to walk
miles and miles to get to the maternity wing.
The nurses admitted me to the hospital, your dad and I
watched ESPN News all night long and you were born at 7:45am. Your birth was
surreal.
Dean and I were thrilled and overwhelmed. You were 16 days
early. I called Grandma Pat and Papa Roger. Grandma Pat was overjoyed and so
was Papa Roger. We didn’t call anyone when we left for the hospital at
midnight, so your birth was a surprise to everyone we called. Again, you were
16 days early. Who wouldn’t be surprised?
Grandma Pat said, “If you had called and told me you were
going to the hospital, I would have stayed up all night worrying.”
Grandma Babe was concerned we were playing a joke. She even
told Daddy Dean, “You don’t joke about these things. The baby is 16 days early.”
Your birth was not a joke. It was a beautiful surprise. Your
competitive nature to accomplish everything well and first continues today. We
love you! Happy 8th birthday, Noah!
Love, Mom and Dad
